A large part of what MiTek’s Design Engagement team does involves meeting with Structural Engineers, Architects, and Real Estate Developers to advance the use of components. We guide them on best practices early in design so that when construction documents arrive at the truss designers’ desk, there is a clear understanding of what the truss package should include. We undoubtedly are working to increase the use of components, but we also want to reduce pain points for our customers. We know that one of the greatest challenges the CM faces is trying to design a truss package from a poorly coordinated set of drawings. Our goal is to help facilitate better communication and alignment early on with the project team, so that the CM can move more projects out to production and do so faster by eliminating time-consuming project RFIs.
This spring, while visiting Northern Nevada as part of this effort, I was fortunate to also tour some active job sites. One such project is Eagle’s Landing Apartments in Carson City. With a total of 136 units in 4 buildings, a well-qualified team was needed to properly coordinate the off-site and on-site scopes of work. No matter what work is done by MiTek to coordinate good building design, it means nothing if a qualified, capable, and trusted construction team isn’t on board to bring ideas to reality. Thankfully, the developer was in good hands with Pinecrest Construction and Reno Truss. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
What was particularly unique about this project is that it was initially being designed with an I-Joist floor system and EWP beams. When the project team became aware of a more efficient alternative in trusses, they quickly began coordinating the change before their scheduled permit submittal date. The challenge here is that the depths were fairly shallow at 11 7/8”. Using traditional floor trusses at this depth doesn’t leave much room for routing of utilities within the open web space of the truss.
This is where MiTek’s Posi-Strut system comes in. By utilizing a light-gauge steel web in these cases, our customers can reduce the total area between members and add a couple inches in diameter for duct clearance or other lines. The project team was also able to realize substantial savings by making use of truss girders in lieu of EWP beams and eliminating other unnecessary materials.
Some of the key benefits noted by the team on site included:
- Lighter weight and easier/safer handling compared to other joists,
- Versatility in how the end conditions bear on the wall framing,
- Ability to reduce framing hangers with top chord bearing trusses where applicable,
- Reduced number of joists due to an increased o.c. spacing,
- Clean and clearly articulated layout provided in advance by Reno Truss.
Although we didn’t strike literal gold as they did when they discovered the Comstock Lode in 1859, this experience still attests to the rewards that can be found when a qualified team is willing to invest the time to get it right. Through good communication, cooperation, and collaboration, this project team was able to lean into the benefits of Posi-Strut to optimize their build and bring down construction costs when compared to more traditional floor joists. Special thanks to the team at Reno Truss for leading this effort.
When you’re interested in learning more about Posi-Strut and discussing how to incorporate it into your offerings and market, please contact your MiTek Sales Representative or reach out to me at Landon.Boucher@mii.com.